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Avira vs Avast - Which Antivirus is Best for You?

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – June 6th, 2022

Avira vs Avast which antivirus should you get

Internet users confront a unique set of obstacles, and having an antivirus is a must-have as well as choosing between Avira vs Avast. Even while your device security can safeguard you from today’s internet threat, the antivirus sector is flourishing again

Cybercriminals use sophisticated attacks targeted at the operating system of specific devices. The most apparent effect of inadequate or non-existent virus protection is data loss, which will result in additional financial difficulties. As a result, you’ll require a robust barrier between the two possibilities mentioned.

Continue reading the article since there are several solutions available. However, you simply know that you want antivirus protection, but you have no idea what criteria it must match.

Avira vs Avast - Which Antivirus is Best for You?

Antivirus Market – Is There Still a Need for Antivirus?

Because the usage of cloud services for storing confidential and private data is on the rise, the antivirus software market share gets expected to grow even more throughout the projection period. Therefore, antivirus software gets designed to identify, block, and respond to harmful malware on your computer and cloud services. If you do not use an antivirus program. A successful cyberattack significantly impacts both consumers and whole companies, resulting in data loss, financial issues, and operational disruption.

The best approach to tackle these online risks is to use an antivirus application, antimalware software, or both to keep your PC safe. According to projections, the antivirus industry will reach $4.54 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.8 %. The entire world is transitioning to a digital domain, and as internet possibilities expand, so do the hazards. According to some estimates, there are 2,200 cyberattacks every day, which works out to around one attack per 39 seconds.

Avira vs Avast – One on One Comparison

Let’s compare and contrast Avira vs Avast to help you make an informed decision about your security.

Avira - Company Background

Avira antivirus dashboard

Although Avira got created in 2006, the antivirus software is in development since 1986. It provides real-time, cloud-based protection against a wide range of internet dangers and viruses. Millions of pleased customers worldwide pick their free protection and optimization products for any device, thanks to superior security technologies based on over 35 years of study.

Even the independent review panel from AV comparatives continuously tested Avira. It ranked it as outstanding user-friendliness and performance and the low system impact and high capabilities. Avira moto is a safer and more private digital life through their free software for your online security and privacy.

Fact: After formerly owned by Investcorp, Avira gets now owned by American antivirus company NortonLifeLock as of 2021.

Avast - Company Background

Avast antivirus dashboard

Avast Software is a Czech cybersecurity software company. Pavel Baudi and Eduard Kuera launched Avast as a cooperative in 1988. Avast now employs around 1,700 people in 25 offices worldwide, all of whom get dedicated to ensuring that everyone has control over what they share online and with whom they share it. As of May 2020, Avast had a 12.69 % share among the leading Windows antimalware program manufacturers globally.

Its award-winning antivirus software is available for free and includes several extra functions. It is continuously ranked among the top antivirus suites available today. Avast products block over 1.5 billion cyberattacks every month, with 435 million monthly active users. Avast believes that users should have the right to freedom and protection on the internet.

Verdict

In December 2019, the Avast browser plugin got removed from the Mozilla, Google, and Opera markets. It comes because of the controversy surrounding the sale of user data to its subsidiary, jumpshot. Subsidiary Jumpshot has got shut down due to complaints. Still, many users’ confidence built up over the years has broken.

In comparison to Avast, Avira’s privacy policy indicates that the corporation will collect PII such as your identity, location, mobile number, and other information. Still, there is no debate on the surface, and they claim to treat personal data in line with applicable laws.

No security firm could exist purely based on providing free antivirus protection. Some vendors utilize the free edition as a teaser and earn from upgrades, but these companies aren’t in the same league as the large ones. As a result, nothing in our world is truly free. Avast, Avira, and other companies that give free things may commercialize the statistics and analytics they collect from customers.

Avira appears to be the superior option on paper, as it has avoided any controversy about its free products.

Avira vs Avast - Pricing

Avira

Avira’s main product is a Free Security Suite, which provides one of the most satisfactory free antivirus protection. If you want to get started with their antivirus, this is the best option, and you will have the following options in addition to free packages

  • Avira Antivirus Pro costs $44.99 and includes all of the features offered in their premium suite.

  • Advanced Password Manager and Automatic Driver Updater get included in Avira Internet Security, which costs $57.99 typically and $34.99 for the first year.

  • Avira Prime includes all of the features of both plans, including Unlimited  VPN, Premium customer support, and advanced PC optimization. It costs $59.99 for the first year and $99.99 after that.

Avira’s plans all contain a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you download Avira antivirus software, you’ll get a free 30-day trial with full access to all of the product’s features.

Avast

One of the essential features of Avast is the company’s free antivirus software. Avast’s free tier provides all of the security you’ll need, but if you need more, you may upgrade.

Apart from the free version, Avast has two primary price categories.

  • Avast Premium Security contains everything in the free plan, plus camera protection, ransomware protection, and sensitive data protection. The current pricing is $69.48 for the first year and $98.99 after that.

  • At $50.28 for the first year and $99.99 after that, Avast One includes everything from free and Premium Protection plans and SecureLine VPN, Cleanup, and driver updater Premium features.

Both subscriptions have a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day trial version to get you started.

Verdict

Avira’s subscription plans are all cheaper for starting subscriptions than Avast. At the same time, Avast may not provide any pricing flexibility but does provide coverage for more devices than Avira’s packages. But the most advanced package of both Avira vs Avast cost the same amount.

Furthermore, Avira offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, whereas Avast only provides a 30-day guarantee. Nonetheless, the free plans for both get packed with plenty of features to get you started.

Avira vs Avast - Features

Avira

Below are the most prominent features of Avira that will keep giving you the stress-free protection

  • Antivirus Protection: Avira Free Antivirus defends you against billions of malware attacks each year, including ransomware, malware, viruses, and other threats. Thanks to next-generation AI technology that detects and eliminates threats in real-time, it’s simple to set up and even simpler to operate.

  • Software Updater: The Avira Software Updater makes it simple to keep computer software up to date by examining your computer and assists you in downloading the appropriate updates with a single click. It analyzes over 150 Windows apps, recognizes the obsolete ones, and secretly downloads the newest versions for you, ensuring that your hardware operates faster.

  • Password Manager: With Avira, you can generate and securely save unique and complicated passwords for all of your accounts and have your online accounts automatically log you in.

  • Pc Speed & Tune-Up Tools: Avira System Speedup makes maintaining the optimum state of your PC a pleasure instead of a burden. You may free your computer from all the accumulating rogue processes, harmful registry entries, and files in limbo that are slowing it down in only one minute.

  • Virtual Private Network: Avira provides a VPN service with no data constraints. It protects you online by providing encrypted incoming and outgoing traffic that is not geo-restricted.

Avast

The following are the characteristics of Avast Complete Protection that have helped it be ranked higher than others throughout the years.

  • Clean Up And Tune-Up: Avast Cleanup for Windows removes garbage files automatically, freeing up storage space, improving speed, and extending battery life.

  • SecureLine VPN: Avast SecureLine is a VPN service provided by Avast. When using public Wi-Fi safely, you may hide your internet activities and even protect your connection in seconds. It won’t slow down your connection and will choose the best server for you with just one click.

  • Driver Updater: Avast Driver Updater helps you update your computer’s drivers. With a 25 million drivers library for top PC performance, scan, update and repair all of your PC’s drivers to keep your machine and its accessories functioning smoothly.

  • AntiTrack: Hide your online identity to avoid being tracked by advertising and hackers and prevent trackers from gathering and sharing your data.

  • Avast Secure Browser: Avast Browse provides real privacy with its built-in VPN, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of ultra-fast and safe browsing. It provides military-grade encryption without imposing bandwidth restrictions.

Avira vs Avast – Interface

Avira

The user interface of Avira makes scanning and scheduling a breeze. Avira’s mobile app, too, features a user-friendly interface and well-designed applications for Android and iOS. You won’t have to delve through to find a way around it since the home screen indicates the current protection status. The sidebar allows access to additional functions; you won’t have to dive through to find a way around.

Avast

Avast features a dark, sleek interface that makes it appear more advanced and practical. The main page displays information on your PC’s security status and the quality of your Smart Scan and other utilities on the left toolbar. Overall, the user interface is intuitive, and the visual choice is straightforward and pleasing to the eye. Even Avast’s safe browser is quick to download and has a nice, clean layout that looks a lot like Google Chrome.

Verdict

Both antivirus programs offer a user-friendly interface and are simple to use. However, all free software will force you to upgrade to the premium version in one way or another. Compared to Avira, Avast is more guilty of doing it by constantly reminding you. As we’ve seen with the Avast scandal, they also install the Secure Browser plugin by default. Which was the primary location where they collected and later sold user data. So, based on previous experiences, I’ll go with Avira, even if I like Avast’s color design.

Avira vs Avast – Customer Support

Avira

Avira provides comprehensive customer service via a phone representative, online knowledge base articles, email, and tutorial videos. Because it may delay a few days for an email response, calling the support team may be the better alternative. Avira Prime subscribers also have access to a toll-free line, which is an incredible perk. The knowledge base area of Avira’s website is the only customer service option for free users.

Avast

The websites, forums, and online knowledge base of Avast are outstanding. Avast’s website and PC app include a Support button that enables easy access to help. You may approach Avast by Email or telephone, and live chat isn’t an option. Avast also offers a Tech Support service that offers 24/7 remote assistance for all your computer and software concerns, although it is a bit pricey. The knowledge base area of the Avast website is the only customer assistance option for free users.

Verdict

Both options provide similar assistance by relying on guides and online communities. You may also contact the customer service representative via phone. However, because Avast has a more extensive user base, their help has a more robust overall structure with premium remote support as well. Apart from the guidelines, neither solution has anything to offer free users.

Factors to Consider While Making A Choice

Using antivirus software is simple, but choosing the right one for your requirements is difficult. Keep in mind the following suggestions.

  • Look for an antivirus that provides a variety of scanning choices to suit your needs while also providing real-time protection.

  • Look for some of the most crucial features today’s antivirus packs provide. These features offer different levels of security.

  • It should have a user-friendly interface that provides the most excellent protection without the need to fiddle with intricate settings.

  • Look for an antivirus that can operate in the background with low CPU resource use while providing enough protection.

  • Check to see if the firm provides trustworthy technical help in an emergency.

  • Finally, the firm should have a history of few to no controversies; otherwise, the user base would suffer.

Practical Tips for Using Antivirus

Even if you have chosen between Avira vs Avast, here are a few pointers to consider.

  • When a patch is available, update your programs regularly. You may also set your device to accept updates automatically.

  • Use a cloud backup regularly to maintain copies of all your vital information and documents in a location that get not infected by the virus.

  • Even if you have antivirus software installed, stay away from doubtful websites that promise freebies. You don’t have to download attachments in emails from unknown senders.

Finally, keep in mind that cyber attacks are unavoidable; antivirus software exists solely to guard against all possible risks. However, you may find yourself in trouble even with an antivirus because cyberspace evolves rapidly.

Bottom Line

Avast and Avira appear to be a good match on paper, with identical subscription rates and a free option. Customer service is comparable in terms of the ability to seek professional assistance. Avira is a more robust software than Avast, which provides a less feature-rich free edition. On the other hand, Avast Premium offers a few more capabilities than Avira.

Avast’s malware detection capabilities are superior to Avira’s. On the other hand, Avira has a slight advantage in system performance because of its lower upfront fee. It even puts many of its opponents to shame by being compact and having high malware detection rates.

The most straightforward approach to determine which of these two goods is right for you is to give them a try. Because both items are free, there isn’t much to lose. You may also pick one of these firms’ premium solutions to access additional features not accessible in the free versions.

Avast Antivirus is the apparent winner, in my opinion. It is with its superior protection and performance reasons enough to select it over Avira, despite its previous involvement in a controversy that tarnished its brand. Nonetheless, several industry experts rank it better in terms of security.

**Onlinecloudsecurity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.**

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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About Online Cloud Security:

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts:

Online Cloud Security Logo (500x500px)

About Online Cloud Security

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts: